Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Introduction
OCT measures the echo time delay and intensity of backscattered light to create two- and three-dimensional images. Because light travels extremely quickly, OCT uses interferometry to detect small changes in reflected light and convert them into detailed internal images of tissues.
Its ability to visualize tiny structural changes makes OCT essential for early disease detection, especially in the retina, cornea, blood vessels, and skin.
How OCT Works
OCT systems typically include:
Light Source
Broad-spectrum or swept-source lasers used to penetrate tissue and create interference patterns.
Interferometer
Splits the light into reference and sample beams.
Combines the reflected beams to generate measurable signals.
Detector and Signal Processor
Converts interference data into high-resolution cross-sectional images.
Image Reconstruction Software
Produces real-time visualizations of tissue structure.
This method allows OCT to provide high-resolution images up to several millimeters deep.